Make the most of summer in and around Marlborough

With the promise of an August heatwave and the return of the sunshine, Marlborough nestled in the heart of Wiltshire is a fantastic place to add to your list of places to visit this summer.

So, whether you’re a local looking for new areas to explore, a frequent visitor or passing on a day trip, we share the best spots to head to in this picturesque market town – home to our wonderful Renaissance Marlborough community.  

Enjoy the shade and history of Savernake Forest

The Savernake Forest is the ideal place to head to in the heat of the summer. The only privately owned forest, by the Earl of Cardigan and his son Viscount Savernake, there are approximately 4500 acres of shady forest canopy to enjoy. The history of the forest goes back over a thousand years providing a wonderful array of ancient trees, rich landscapes and diverse habitats. One of the country's oldest trees, the Big Bellied Oak, is very noticeable on the side of the A346. There’s plenty of parking close to picnic tables all over the area, making this the perfect place for a cool picnic lunch followed by a gentle stroll.

Stroll along the High Street to St Peter’s Church

Sitting at the west end of Marlborough High Street, St Peter’s Church is a 15^th Century church which was restored in the Victorian era. The cool interior of the church has a wealth of beautiful memorials and fine Victorian stained-glass windows to admire and if you are feeling energetic you can climb the 139 steps of the tower (by appointment). On the way up you can see the clock room housing the mechanism, the ringing chamber and be rewarded at the top with magnificent views of Marlborough and its surrounding countryside. The reward at the bottom is the delightful coffee shop serving a variety of choices from morning coffee and cake to Sunday roast.

While away an afternoon at Wilton Windmill

Make the most of the long summer evenings with a trip to Wilton Windmill, the only working windmill in Wessex still producing wholemeal, stone-ground flour. The location is set high above the village of Wilton, in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty, about 9 miles south east of Marlborough, so the views are worth the trip alone. Visitors can view inside the Mill by appointment so it’s best to contact the volunteers who run it for details about when the Mill and granary are open. Otherwise, there is a picnic area with breath-taking views across to the Downs where the magnificent building can be viewed from the outside. 

An ice cream day trip

Who doesn’t love an ice cream on a hot summer’s day? Visit Rowdey Cow Farm Café & Ice Cream Parlour in nearby Devizes, meet Oscar the llama, see the cows and then enjoy one of the 16 flavours of delicious fresh Ice Cream made on the farm. The flavours change daily ensuring the very best taste and freshness. There is a café which offers scrumptious cooked breakfasts, lunch and teas every day which is all sourced from local produce. You can also enjoy home baked cakes and barista coffees as well as spectacular views from the glass fronted café or outdoor seating in the garden and patio, of Roundway Hill and the surrounding farmland.

Something completely different

If you have ever fancied experiencing the simpler way of life, then White Horse Gypsy Caravans offers three day horse drawn breaks exploring the nearby Pewsey Vale at a gentle pace dictated by their sturdy horses. The owners will train you to drive the caravan on the first morning preparing you for your unique and wonderfully relaxing get-away in beautiful surroundings The delightful route takes you through many historic sites and villages with lunchtime and overnight stops and a groom is available to make life easy. There’s no need to have had previous horse experience!

---

With the last home remaining at Renaissance Marlborough, to start your next chapter in a fantastic community with plenty of places to explore, book a one-to-one viewing by calling 01672 340012 or emailing [email protected].